Visit Culture & Heritage Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

The Westin Kuala Lumpur's Guide to Malaysian Culture

Malaysia is a multi–ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society, and the many ethnic groups in Malaysia maintain separate cultural identities. The beauty of the country lies in the diversity and some must-visit heritage tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur will enable you to understand more about the Malaysian culture.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

The National Museum was built after the independence of The Federation of Malaya in Aug 1957. Construction began in 1959 and the doors opened in August 1963. It houses and recounts Malaysia's rich culture and history.

Getting There: Located in Jalan Damansara, Muzium Negara is easily accessible via bus, taxi, and is near KL Sentral.

The National Monument

The National Monument was built to recognise and honour those who gave up their lives in the cause for peace and freedom, particularly during the nation's struggle against the threat of communism. It was sculpted in 1966 by Felix de Weldon, who was also the creator of the famous Iwo Jima monument in Washington DC.

Getting There: The National Monument is located next to Lake Gardens and is right off Jalan Parlimen.

Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Monument

Petaling Street in Chinatown

The Petaling Street (Chinatown) in Kuala Lumpur is like the Bukit Bintang of the older part of Kuala Lumpur. Ask anyone who's been to Malaysia about Petaling Street and they will cite it as a shopper's haven, albeit different compared to the more glamourous, Bukit Bintang and KLCC.

Getting There: By Taxi: Petaling Street is just 10 minutes away from The Westin Kuala Lumpur.By LRT: Take the Kelana Jaya line and stop at Pasar Seni station. You may then walk to Chinatown (5-minute walk).

Central Market (Pasar Seni)

Tourists flock to Central Market for its variety of handicrafts, art, kebaya, songket, batik and authentic Malaysian souvenirs. A Batik Emporium houses well-known designer labels, with the best Malaysian-made batik items ranging from clothes, shoes, bags to home furnishing.

Getting There: By Taxi: Central Market is just 10 minutes away from The Westin Kuala Lumpur.By LRT: Take the Kelana Jaya line and stop at Pasar Seni station. You may then walk to Central Market (Pasar Seni).

Kampung Bharu Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail

Kampung Bharu may very well be the last standing village in the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur. Surrounded by the skyscrapers of the city, this village thrives as a living testament to Malaysia’s beginnings, current development and its future.

Jalan-Jalan@Kampung Bharu is a guided tour package by Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau, taking visitors down the memory lanes of one of the oldest Malay settlements in the city. The guided walk is free for all. Contact Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau for more information.

Getting There: By LRT: Take the Kelana Jaya Line LRT from KLCC to Kampung Baru stationBy Monorail: Get down at Medan Tuanku station.

Kampung Bahru Heritage Trail, Photo Credits: Malaysia.Travel

Masjid Jamek, Photo Credits: Star2

Master Mat’s House, Photo Credits: Star2

Dataran Merdeka, Photo Credits: Visit KL

Dataran Merdeka

The Merdeka Square is located exactly opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and right beside the Royal Selangor Club. This is the historical place where the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag was raised for the very first time at the struck of midnight of 31st August 1957. From then on, Merdeka Square has been the venue for the annual Merdeka Parade.

Getting There: By LRT (Rapid KL): Take the Sentul Timur line to Bandaraya or Masjid Jamek Station. From the station, it is a 10 minute walk.By Taxi: It is a 10-minute ride from our hotel.

National Visual Arts Gallery (National Art Gallery)

National Visual Arts Gallery of Malaysia (Malay: Balai Seni Visual Negara) was established on 28 August 1958, by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Formerly known as the National Art Gallery, the gallery had changed its name to the National Visual Arts Gallery since 2011.

Getting There: It is advisable to go to National Art Gallery by cab. It is 20 minutes away from our hotel. You may also visit the National Theatre while you are there. See next point.

National Theatre (Istana Budaya)

The Istana Budaya (literal meaning: The Palace of Culture), founded Malaysia's main venue for all types of theatre including musical theatre, operetta, classical concert and opera from local and international performances. It faces Jalan Tun Razak in then northern edge of Kuala Lumpur and is located next to the National Art Gallery (National Visual Arts Gallery).

Getting There: It is advisable to go to National Theatre by cab. It is 20 minutes away from our hotel. You may also visit the National Visual Arts Gallery while you are there.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Established in 1985, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an attractive blend of modern architecture and traditional Islamic design. This gleaming white structure stands grandly just next to the National Mosque and behind the Malayan Railway Administration building. Housed within the centre is an impressive collection of Islamic art objects from Malaysia as well as other Muslim countries.

Getting There:By Taxi: The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is located right in between the Lake Gardens and the National Mosque.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines.